news 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Jinja Traders Protest Sudden Demolition of Illegal Street Kiosks
Traders in Jinja City are decrying a council enforcement drive that demolished their roadside kiosks, claiming they paid monthly fees and received short notice. While the council insists on prior warnings to restore order, a court has paused evictions at the taxi park. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/jinja-street-traders-fault-city-clean-up-5397140
Jinja City Council’s recent crackdown on illegal structures along road reserves has sparked outrage among street vendors. Enforcement teams razed kiosks in areas like Walukuba-Kyabazinga Lane, leaving many small business owners destitute.
Vendors such as mechanic David Kayomba reported losing tools and workplaces, with some items stolen during the chaos. Kayomba, who took a Shs2 million loan, fears inability to recover, noting that affected traders include reformed street children and sex workers now self-reliant.
Salon operator Doreen Anitaku, who ran her business for 15 years, said they got only verbal warnings last Friday before Sunday’s demolitions. Tailor Irene Kaka highlighted paying Shs10,000 monthly—totaling Shs1.2 million over a decade—plus recent Parish Development Model funds now wasted without a workspace.
Butcher Sulaiman Obuuyo acknowledged development needs but urged relocation plans over force. The operation, hitting women and youth in multiple suburbs, raises fears of rising crime.
Council spokesperson Rajab Kito countered that written notices spanned 2.5 years, with a final two-week ultimatum ending Sunday. He emphasized organizing the city for better revenue and preventing slums, vowing to monitor rebuilds.
Meanwhile, over 800 Jinja Taxi Park vendors won a High Court injunction on Monday, halting evictions until May 7 after suing over prior redevelopment agreements. Kito affirmed operations continue elsewhere.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)